I’ve just returned from northern Italy, where each summer I lead classes for about 80 seminary formators from around the world in a month long program run by my order, the Legionaries of Christ.

Formation of seminarians, and ongoing formation of priests, is an important part of the Register’s mission.

That’s why we give free gift subscriptions, with help from our generous donors, to all newly ordained priests.

It’s also why we feel privileged to count among our subscribers more than 800 living icons of Christ — including 159 bishops, 41 archbishops and 31 Vatican officials.

This year, thinking back on the Italian conference just concluded, my thoughts return to the passionate homily Pope Benedict XVI gave to close the Year for Priests in June.

“In admitting men to priestly ministry and in their formation,” the Holy Father said in a St. Peter’s Square Mass attended by thousands of priests, “we will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of their vocation and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey, so that the Lord will protect them and watch over them in troubled situations and amid life’s dangers.”

Please pray for our priests and priests-to-be every day.